The story of Atlanta United is one of meteoric rise, happy accidents, and the consequences of dramatic early success. At the heart of this ascent is the club’s outgoing president, Darren Eales, who along with a dedicated group of staff, soccer minds, media, and community members transformed an expansion club surrounded by uncertainty into a league champion and cultural hub in two seasons. While reminiscing in 2020 about the lead-up to the club’s debut season, Eales perfectly summed up his approach when describing the club’s kit launch, saying, “Let’s not be shy. Let’s make it fun.” As Atlanta United searches to find their next club president, they must avoid the tempting urge to find a like-for-like replacement for Eales while retaining some of that energy that makes Eales special.
Darren Eales’s Legacy at Atlanta United
